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Theatre, Film and TV | Oct 24, 2013

Eddie Marsan and Bertie Carvel cast in Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell

Eddie Marsan and Olivier award-winning Bertie Carvel are set to portray Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell in the new six-part drama series, based on the bestselling novel by Susanna Clarke, adapted by Peter Harness and directed by Toby Haynes.

Produced by Cuba Pictures for BBC One and co-produced with BBC America, the series is set in 19th-century England around the time of the Napoleonic Wars. Magic once existed in England and has returned with two men: Gilbert Norrell and Jonathan Strange.

Nick Marston, CEO of Cuba Pictures, said: 'It has been a passion of ours for almost a decade to bring Susanna Clarke’s extraordinary novel to the screen. Now, thanks to the great support of the BBC, it is actually happening. Peter Harness has written a first-rate adaptation and Toby Haynes is ready to weave his magic from the director’s chair. There is a huge ambition from the whole team to do justice to Susanna’s work and to bring the book to a brand new audience.'

Eddie Marsan, playing Mr Norrell, said: 'I can't wait to start playing Norrell in this terrific adaptation of Susanna Clarke's novel, and to be working with such a cast of actors, many of whom I've admired for so long.'

Bertie Carvel, playing Jonathan Strange, said: 'I read the book some years ago and was totally enchanted. I've been casting spells for the part of Strange ever since. It is a considerable surprise to find that some of them worked!'

Ben Stephenson, Controller of BBC Drama Commissioning, said: 'We have secured the most original, talented and dynamic cast and team to produce BBC One’s brand new adaptation of Susanna Clarke’s award-winning novel Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell. This cements our reputation for bold and ambitious drama and I can’t wait to see Bertie and Eddie bring these wonderful characters to life in a unique and exciting way.'